🕊 MASS READINGS — 03/12/2025 Feast of St Francis Xavier, Priest

 OPENING PRAYER 

O God,
who through the preaching of Saint Francis Xavier
won many peoples to Yourself,
grant that the hearts of the faithful
may burn with the same zeal for the faith,
and that Your Church may rejoice
to see the family of nations gathered together in Your name.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.




📖 FIRST READING – 1 Corinthians 9:16–19, 22–23

Key points (paraphrased):

  • Paul says he cannot boast about preaching the Gospel; it is a duty laid upon him – “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel!”

  • He freely preaches without insisting on his rights, to offer the Gospel without charge.

  • Though he is free, he makes himself a servant/slave of all, to win more people for Christ.

  • He becomes “all things to all”, to save at least some, and does everything for the sake of the Gospel, to share in its blessings. USCCB+1

CCC References

  • CCC 429 – We must proclaim Christ to others.

  • CCC 851–856 – The missionary nature of the Church and zeal for evangelization.

  • CCC 905 – Lay people’s duty to evangelize by word and witness.

Simple Explanation

St Paul is describing exactly the heart of a missionary: the Gospel is not a hobby or an extra, but a sacred obligation. This perfectly reflects the life of St Francis Xavier, who travelled across Asia and gave his life for the Gospel.

Application (For Catholics & Catechumens)

  • Ask: Do I see my faith as a duty of love, or just a private comfort?

  • Try today to “become all things to all” in a holy way: adjust your attitude, tone, and patience so that others can better see Christ through you.

🎵 RESPONSORIAL PSALM – Psalm 116(117):1–2

Response:
R: Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.

Psalm (paraphrased):

  • Praise the Lord, all you nations; acclaim Him, all you peoples.

  • Strong is His love for us; His faithfulness endures forever. USCCB+1

CCC References

  • CCC 2586–2587 – The Psalms are the prayer of the People of God.

  • CCC 849 – The Church is sent to all nations.

Short Reflection

This psalm is the shortest in the Bible, but it carries a universal mission: all nations are invited to praise the Lord. St Francis Xavier tried to make this psalm a reality in India, Malacca, Japan and other parts of Asia. catholic.sg

📖 GOSPEL – Mark 16:15–20

Key points (paraphrased):

  • Jesus tells the Eleven: “Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to all creation.”

  • Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever refuses to believe will be condemned.

  • Signs will accompany believers: driving out demons, speaking new languages, protection from harm, and healing the sick.

  • Jesus is taken up into heaven and sits at the right hand of God.

  • The disciples go out and preach everywhere, and the Lord works with them, confirming the word with signs. USCCB+1

CCC References

  • CCC 849–850 – “Go therefore and make disciples” – the Great Commission.

  • CCC 699, 1508 – Signs and healings in the life of the Church.

  • CCC 1122–1125 – Obligation to share the Gospel and baptize.

Explanation

This is the mission command that shaped the life of every missionary saint. St Francis Xavier obeyed this literally: he travelled, preached, baptized, and trusted that the Lord would work through him.

Application

  • For Catholics: Renew your baptismal promise internally – I believe in Christ and I accept His mission.

  • For Catechumens: See how serious and beautiful baptism is: it’s entry into a mission, not just a ceremony.

  • Do one concrete missionary action today: share a verse, invite someone to Mass/RCIA, or simply offer to pray for someone.

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord Jesus,
You gave St Francis Xavier
a burning love for Your Name and for souls.

Ignite in us the same missionary zeal:
that we may not be ashamed of the Gospel,
but joyfully share Your love
in our families, workplaces, parishes,
and online.

Strengthen Catholics and Catechumens in Singapore
to be faithful witnesses in this land and beyond.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

📎 Source Links (for your reference)

  • Catholic.sg – Mass Readings & Reflections (St Francis Xavier) – earlier feast reflections using 1 Cor 9:16–19, 22–23; Ps 117; Mk 16:15–20 catholic.sg+1

  • USCCB – Memorial of St Francis Xavier, Priest (3 Dec) – same readings set: 1 Cor 9, Ps 117, Mk 16 USCCB+1

  • Universalis – Readings at Mass, St Francis Xavier universalis.com+1

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